The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is considering a grant of about Tk 120 crore to modernise waste management in Chattogram, including more than 50 modern waste-collection vehicles, landfill equipment and support for a new sanitary landfill.

The plan emerged at a meeting on Wednesday between a JICA delegation and Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Administrator Dr Shahadat Hossain at Nagar Bhaban.

The Japanese government has approved a feasibility study for the project, and an expert mission from JICA’s headquarters will visit Chattogram in December. A final decision on the project will follow the study’s findings.

The CCC said it has already acquired 28 acres at Fatehabad Nandirhat, south of Chittagong University, for the new landfill. JICA Bangladesh Senior Representative Hideki Osawa said JICA technical experts are already working with the corporation on the design and bill of quantities needed to prepare the development project proposal swiftly.

Dr Shahadat thanked JICA and pledged full cooperation with the feasibility study. He also requested technical support for improving the corporation’s existing landfill sites.